The
HWE Big Band is an offshoot of the Heisey Wind
Ensemble that has presented concert band programs
for the past 26 years. HWE members Randall Lamb,
Doug Moran and David DeCarolis felt there was a
need for a quality big band in the area and
spearheaded the formation of the HWEBB in 2010.
The band gave a well received premier performance at the 2010 Newark Jazz and Ribs Festival,
and a near sellout concert this past March as part
of the HWE regular concert season. The band was invited back to perform at the 2011 NJ&RF attracting the largest crowd of the day.
HWE Music Director Dr. Russel Mikkelson, Director
of Bands at The Ohio State University, leads the
20 member ensemble which has a traditional big
band instrumentation of 5 saxophones, 5 trumpets,
5 trombones, rhythm section and vocalist.
Membership in the HWE Big Band is drawn from the
Heisey Wind Ensemble, which is an audition only
group. Each concert the HWE Big Band gives is
prepared and rehearsed specifically for the
performance.
The HWEBB is thrilled to have as our vocalist Kelly Delavaris. Kelly certainly needs no introduction to central Ohio audiences having frequently performed with the acclaimed Columbus Jazz Arts Orchestra. She began singing professionally in 1978, inspired by the singers in the record collection of her father, Columbus sportscasting legend,
Jimmy Crum.
Kelly has opened for such name performers as Sarah Vaughn, Tony Bennett, Bob Newhart and Joan Rivers. She is a previous winner of the Columbus Dispatch Readers Poll for "Best Vocalist." You can find additional information about Kelly on her website at www.kellydelavaris.com which also has information on her CD recordings.
The HWEBB will present concerts on March 17, 2012 as part of the regular HWE season and on June 3, 2012 for the Granville "Concert On The Green" series. For information on booking the HWEBB for a concert please contact Doug Moran.
